Lapa 40 Graus Rio de Janeiro
Rio's bohemian heart, Lapa pulsates with samba, street art, and electrifying nightlife under iconic arches.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak energy and live music
Lapa 40 Graus Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Peak energy and live music

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rio's bohemian heart, Lapa pulsates with samba, street art, and electrifying nightlife under iconic arches.
"Lapa is the perfect blend of history, culture, and pure fun – a must-visit for any Rio trip!"
🎯 Embrace the Street Vibe
Lapa's magic is in its streets! Enjoy street performers, food stalls, and the general buzz.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and dancing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring Lapa.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Arcos da Lapa
Central Lapa
Iconic aqueduct arches, a symbol of Rio's bohemian district, especially stunning when lit up at night.

Escadaria Selarón
Between Lapa and Santa Teresa
A vibrant, colorful staircase adorned with thousands of ceramic tiles from around the world.

Samba Clubs
Various locations in Lapa
Experience authentic samba music and dance in legendary venues that pulse with energy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lapa Vibe
Nightlife & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Street Vibe
Lapa's magic is in its streets! Enjoy street performers, food stalls, and the general buzz.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and dancing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring Lapa.
💰 Affordable Drinks
Look for street vendors offering caipirinhas for great prices, especially during happy hour.
🎶 Live Music Galore
From samba to funk, Lapa offers diverse live music. Check local listings for schedules.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Street Vibe
Lapa's magic is in its streets! Enjoy street performers, food stalls, and the general buzz.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and dancing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring Lapa.
💰 Affordable Drinks
Look for street vendors offering caipirinhas for great prices, especially during happy hour.
🎶 Live Music Galore
From samba to funk, Lapa offers diverse live music. Check local listings for schedules.
📸 Photo Ops Abound
Don't miss the colorful Escadaria Selarón and the iconic Arcos da Lapa for memorable photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lapa is celebrated for its electrifying nightlife, vibrant samba scene, and affordable drinks, offering an authentic taste of Rio's bohemian spirit. While the atmosphere is generally lively and welcoming, some visitors note that customer service can be inconsistent and variety in certain offerings might be limited. Despite minor drawbacks, it remains a must-visit for experiencing the city's energetic pulse.
"Preços acessíveis a todos os bolsos. Atendimento sempre pode melhorar né?"
Ayan Braz
"Excelente e ótimos profissionais"
Daniell e Cardoso
"Não gostei pouca variedade de produtos"
Aleksandro Costa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lapa is easily accessible by taxi, ride-sharing apps (like Uber or 99), or public transport. The metro stations Cinelândia and Carioca are within walking distance, though a short taxi or bus ride might be more convenient at night.
While Lapa is known for its vibrant nightlife, it's essential to be cautious. Stick to well-lit, busy streets, avoid displaying expensive items, and be aware of your surroundings. Many visitors find it safe when taking standard precautions.
Walking is the best way to experience Lapa's atmosphere, especially around the Arcos da Lapa and Escadaria Selarón. For longer distances or late at night, taxis or ride-sharing apps are recommended.
Yes, buses frequently pass through Lapa, connecting it to other parts of the city. However, for late-night travel or if you're unfamiliar with the routes, ride-sharing services are often preferred for convenience and safety.
Generally, sticking to the main streets with bars and crowds is advisable. Less populated or dimly lit side streets might be less safe, especially late at night.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lapa itself is a public neighborhood, so there's no general entry ticket. However, individual bars, clubs, and samba houses may have cover charges or ticket prices for specific events or performances.
Lapa's nightlife typically kicks off in the evening and goes late into the night, especially on weekends. Bars and clubs usually open around 7-8 PM and can stay open until the early morning hours.
Yes, walking around the Arcos da Lapa and exploring the vibrant street art, including the Escadaria Selarón, are free activities. Enjoying the street performers is also a free, albeit optional, experience.
Cover charges for samba clubs can vary widely, from a few Reais to over R$50, depending on the venue, the night, and any special performances. It's best to check the specific club's pricing beforehand.
Fridays and Saturdays are generally the busiest and most vibrant nights, with a wide array of live music. However, many venues offer live music throughout the week, providing a great experience on any night.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lapa is famous for its samba, but you'll also find forró, funk, bossa nova, and other Brazilian rhythms. Many venues cater to different musical tastes.
The classic caipirinha is a must-try, often available at very affordable prices from street vendors. Local beers and other tropical cocktails are also popular choices.
While Lapa is primarily known for its nightlife, you can find street food vendors selling snacks and some bars offer traditional Brazilian bar food (petiscos). For a full meal, consider dining before heading to Lapa.
Lapa has a bohemian, energetic, and very social atmosphere. It's a place where locals and tourists mingle, enjoy music, dance, and soak in the vibrant Rio de Janeiro spirit.
Casual and comfortable attire is best. Many people dress for a night out, but it's common to see a mix of styles. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended due to walking and dancing.
📸 📸 Photography
The Arcos da Lapa, especially at night when illuminated, and the vibrant Escadaria Selarón are iconic photo locations. The lively streets filled with people and street art also offer great photographic opportunities.
It's generally safe to take photos, but be mindful of your surroundings, especially when using your phone or camera in crowded areas. Avoid leaving your equipment unattended.
For the Arcos da Lapa, both daytime and nighttime offer different but equally stunning views. The Escadaria Selarón is best visited during the day to appreciate its full color and detail.
There are no general restrictions on photography in public areas of Lapa. However, always be respectful if you are photographing individuals and ask for permission if necessary.
A versatile camera that can handle low light is ideal for Lapa's nightlife. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the Arcos and street scenes, while a prime lens can be useful for low-light shots in clubs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bohemian Heartbeat of Rio
The Escadaria Selarón is another unmissable landmark, a testament to artistic dedication. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, this vibrant staircase is adorned with thousands of colorful ceramic tiles from all over the world, each telling its own story. It's a popular spot for photos and a symbol of Lapa's creative spirit.
Beyond the landmarks, Lapa's charm lies in its diverse musical offerings. While samba is the undisputed king, you can also find venues playing funk, forró, bossa nova, and more. The energy is infectious, with people dancing in the streets and enjoying affordable drinks from numerous street vendors.
Navigating Lapa's Nightlife
Many visitors recommend starting the evening with a stroll through the lively streets, perhaps grabbing a cheap and cheerful caipirinha from a street vendor. The atmosphere is generally very friendly and inclusive, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the festivities. It's common to see impromptu street performances and a general sense of celebration.
While the energy is high, it's wise to be mindful of your surroundings. Keep valuables secure and stick to well-populated areas. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available for safe transport back to your accommodation after a night of revelry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit